Become a Shared Lives carer in the North East
Hundreds of Shared Lives carers in the North East use their own home and family life to share it with someone who needs support. Working at home, you can earn up to £450 per week with tax relief, training, regular breaks and a UK support network. And you get to see the amazing difference in someone’s life – it’s the ultimate work from home role!
Shared Lives care is based on shared interests, lifestyles and sense of humour. It’s a bit like fostering – for adults. It feels like an ordinary life for someone who needs support – and doesn’t feel like a ‘job’ for you!
What is Shared Lives?
If you’re new to Shared Lives, take a look at the brief explanation below.
You can also hear from Jen, who lives in Newcastle with her Shared Lives carer, and find out about her happy, family life as part of a Shared Lives household. Jen says:
“It’s the first time I’ve been loved, supported, and felt part of a family…”
Jen's story
How do I become a Shared Lives carer?
There are a number of Shared Lives providers across the North East of England, covering all local authority areas. Each will have its own thorough assessment and approval process, although here is what a typical journey to becoming a Shared Lives carer will look like:
- The process usually takes between three and six months and will include:
- Face to face (or online) interviews to get to know you
- Meeting your fellow carers
- References and checks
- Mandatory training, covering first aid, medication awareness, food safety, hydration, infection control, safeguarding adults etc
- Once you have been fully approved, a detailed matching process will ensure you and the person you care for are well matched, both in terms of the type of care you are able to provide (short or long term) and also interests, lifestyle, likes and dislikes etc.
- Matching is just as important for the person you may be caring for, who will contribute equally to the process. This will involve introductory meetings to find out what they want from their carer.
- Once you have been matched, there will be regular reviews with your local provider to ensure things are going well for both carer and the person being supported, or to raise any concerns.
Who do I contact?
See below for a list of all areas that provide Shared Lives services in the North East of England. Find your local area and register your interest today!
*In Middlesbrough Shared Lives is provided by both Avalon and St Anne’s.
What are the benefits of being a Shared Lives carer?
There are many! First of all, there is the freedom of working from home, as well as flexible working hours. You can also choose to care for people on a long-term basis, or for short breaks or day support (known as respite care).
As you will be self-employed, there are also generous tax breaks you can take advantage of. This is explained in more detail here, as well as a full breakdown of all benefits.
Meg's story
Be inspired by Meg’s amazing story, how she found Shared Lives and how it changed her life:
Join the UK's national network of Shared Lives carers!
Shared Lives Plus is the UK’s only membership organisation speaking up for for Shared Lives carers. Become part of an amazing community and get the support you need, by joining us today!
Find out more about our membership benefits – and choose from 3 month, 6 month or annual options. Being a Shared Lives Plus member means you can chat to other carers online, get public liability insurance, advice, latest news, shopping discounts and legal support.
